A Tale of Secrets and Sacrifices Unfolds on Stage at FNC Liturgical Fine Arts Theater

Riveting stage play about an African-American couple intent on achieving wealth and power abandoning their daughter, only to regret it 30 years later.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 4, 2007 -- "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world ..." -- and in this case -- lose his first born. In Sacrificing Simone, Lincoln and Natalie Turner have it all -- a mini-mansion, a burgeoning law practice and three healthy, beautiful children. Their accomplishments are a combination of education, hard work and, to their shame and embarrassment, the sacrifice of their daughter Simone. As struggling, young African-American college students, Lincoln and Natalie's plans are derailed when Natalie discovers she's with child. Desperate to live a life of wealth and prestige, the couple does the unthinkable. Fast forward three decades and the emotional and spiritual ramifications of their decision continue to haunt them. In a twist of fate, their secret is revealed resulting in the unraveling of the web of deceit and denial.

The play will make its world debut at First New Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Dr. Norman, S. Johnson, Sr. The original stage play, written and directed by Alretha Thomas, will run two weekends, beginning Friday June 1 through Sunday, June 10, 2007 and is sponsored by the church's 501(c)(3) community outreach arm -- FNC Community Development Corporation (FNCCDC).

"Sacrificing Simone will capture the minds and hearts of all ages," says co-producer Damita Ford. "The play, which features a cast of colorful characters will make you laugh, cry and shout out loud as the story creatively, unfolds," Ford added. "Sacrificing Simone is timeless," says Thomas, who has written numerous plays for the church's Liturgical Fine Arts Department, including the hit stage play Grandpa's Truth that last year ran at the Inglewood Playhouse for three months and the NAACP Theatre award winning play Civil Rites that was presented at Southwest College. Thomas says the message that she hopes to bring to the forefront is that "Materialism is no substitute for spirituality nor will it bring the peace and joy that comes with putting God first in one's life."

Thomas and Ford stated that they are not only excited about the message that will go forth but that the families and children in the community will benefit as well. All proceeds from Sacrificing Simone will be earmarked for the church's Summer Day Camp that will provide a much needed, affordable, safe, fun and educational summer haven for the children in the surrounding community.

Performances on Fridays and Saturdays are at 7 p.m. Sunday performances are at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $10; children under 12 and seniors, $5. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 626-858-1907. All ticket purchases and donations to FNCCDC are tax deductible. First New Christian is located at 1555 W. 108th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90047, 323-756-2541. FNCCDC's programs include a Child Development Center, Summer Day Camp, Project Spirit (an after-school program), a Food Distribution Program and a Senior Citizen's Program. Its track record has resulted in support from corporations, foundations and individuals, including City National Bank, Credit Suisse, Wells Fargo Bank, The Ahmanson Foundation, The Community Development Commission of Los Angeles County, The Martin Luther King Legacy Association, The Peter Norton Family Foundation and The Weingart Foundation.

For reservations and more information regarding Sacrificing Simon and or FNCCDC, please call (626) 858-1907 and or go to www.sacrificingsimone.com.

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